In order to enter the Overseas Pharmacist Assessment Programme (OSPAP), you must first successfully complete the adjudication process of the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). You can visit the GPhC website and check the details of how to apply, necessary documentation and evidence required. Before you start the qualifying process, it is your responsibility to check with the Home Office whether you will be able to get the necessary visas and work permits. There are limited visa options available to international students and as such there is no guarantee that you will be able to secure the necessary visa to undertake pre-registration training in the UK.
Once you have been approved by the GPhC, you will be sent application details directly from the university. We will invite you to visit us (in person or via Skype) for an interview about your work experiences and interest in pharmacy. This will also give you the opportunity to ask us any questions you may have about the course, the University, the pre-registration year, and to view our facilities. It is beneficial to have some patient-facing experience.
This course is for overseas (non-EEA) pharmacists who wish to convert their existing qualifications so they can practice as a pharmacist in Great Britain.
The University of Hertfordshire OSPAP is accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
The Overseas Pharmacy Assessment Programme (OSPAP) is a full-time postgraduate diploma starting during September and ending in May/June. The teaching is undertaken over a 3 day week during the academic year which is divided into two terms.
The OSPAP will give you an insight into the way the National Health Service in the UK operates, inform you of the health regulatory laws and professional codes pharmacists must abide by, in addition to allowing you to integrate science based knowledge, such as pharmaceutics and microbiology, into clinical and patient focused settings.
The OSPAP aims to prepare you for UK practice and entry to pre-registration training. Whilst at the University you will be expected to act professionally and in agreement with the Standards for Pharmacy Professionals and GPhC Fitness to Practise standards.
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After completing the OSPAP Diploma and successfully passing the subsequent GPhC pre-registration pharmacist training year, you will be able to register and practice as a UK qualified pharmacist in various environments, (including community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy industrial or academic establishments), undertaking a diverse array of challenging roles.
You are strongly advised to check the latest visa details or changes on the Home Office website and UK Border Agency website regarding working in the UK. This is very important as you will need to work as a pre-registration Pharmacist for 12 months after successfully completing the OSPAP course. Whilst every effort will be made to guide you through the application process, including assistance with interview skills and CV writing, please be aware that it is not the University's responsibility to secure you a pre-registration position.
